For many women, selecting the perfect wedding dress is the most important part of the entire wedding process, aside from choosing the groom. Wedding dress shopping can be a wonderful experience; however, it can also be stressful. Here are some things to keep in mind before you start shopping for the perfect bridal gown.

Q: Where do I buy a wedding dress?

A: Most women shop for their wedding dresses at bridal shops and bridal boutiques. These stores cater to brides and specialize in dresses, veils and other accessories. Bridal shops range from the modest to the most expensive, and you should consider your budget before going shopping; otherwise, you might find you’ve entered a store without any options in your price range. Many brides have also started shopping for bridal dresses online, particularly if they’re interested in a particular designer’s gowns that aren’t readily available or are interested in finding a cheap or discounted gown.

Q: How do I choose the right bridal shop?

A: If there is a particular dress or a particular designer you’re looking for, it’s best to call around to different bridal shops in the area to find out if they have samples of what you’re looking for. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, choosing a bridal store with a large range of designers is a good place to start until you narrow down your search. You also want to look for shops with professional, experienced consultants as they can help you find the right dress for your wedding, budget, taste and body shape.

Q: Do I need an appointment to shop for my wedding dress?

A: While some bridal boutiques may be able to accommodate walk-ins, it’s always best to make an appointment as you’ll get greater personal attention and service. Making an appointment also allows the bridal shop to prepare for your arrival and accommodate any special requests you might have in terms of the dress you’re looking for.

Q: How far in advance should I start shopping for my wedding dress?

A: Wedding dress shopping is often the first thing a woman does after getting engaged, and rightly so. You should start shopping for your dress at least a year before the ceremony. That might seem like a long time, but you want to make sure you allow yourself time to find the perfect dress. Also keep in mind you need to allow time for the dress to arrive, which can take between five and eight months, and for any alterations to be completed. The process can happen faster, of course, but it’ll cost you.

Q: How much do wedding dresses cost?

A: Prices is wedding dresses are as varied as the styles they come in. Prices range from $300 to over $30,000, depending on the designer and how lavish the dress is decorated. According to the leading bridal authority, The Knot, the national average price for a gown was $1,281 in 2013, with prices continuing to rise. Be sure to set a budget for yourself before you go shopping. There are attractive options in every price range. But don’t forget to factor in alterations, a veil, shoes and accessories when setting your initial budget as these additional costs can add up fast.

Q: Should I bring friends/family with me when shopping for a wedding gown?

A: Bringing a few close friends and/or family members with you to your dress shopping appointment is ideal as they can make the day truly special. Nothing compares to the feeling of having everyone fawn all over the dress you’ve chosen, and you won’t want to miss the chance to spend this special day with loved ones. But be wary of bringing too large of an entourage or of bringing extremely bossy, outspoken people that might try to take over your appointment and make the special day uncomfortable. Remember, this is your big moment. Invite those that will make the bridal dress shopping experience truly memorable.

Q: What should I look for in a wedding dress?

A: While every bride wants something different in terms of style and fit, it is important to look for quality first. Always look for quality materials and impeccable tailoring. Then choose a dress that fits your personal style as well as that of the venue and/or theme of the wedding. Lastly, make sure the dress flatters your body type. The dress you like the most on the mannequin is not always the one that looks best on your body. Choose a dress that makes you look your best and makes you feel truly special.

Q: What do I need to bring with me when trying on dresses?

A: If you have a particular item you’re looking to match your gown to, such as an antique veil or piece of jewelry, make sure to bring that item to your appointment. Otherwise, there isn’t much you’ll need. Although you should wear your bridal shoes to the fitting appointments to size up the hem, shoes aren’t required when dress shopping.

Q: I want to lose weight for my wedding. Should I buy the dress a size smaller?

A: Always purchase a bridal gown based on your current body and not the body you hope you’ll have by the wedding date. You may or may not lose the weight, and while the alterations team can make a loose-fitting dress smaller, they cannot make a tight dress larger.

Q: Are there discount options for buying a wedding dress?

A: Most bridal boutiques do host trunk or sample sales throughout the year. These sales allow brides to purchase the sample gown, or the gown you try on when shopping, for a deep discount. Sample sales are a great way to find cheap wedding dresses if you’re on a tight budget. The rest of the year, however, you’re unlikely to receive any discounts on specialty bridal gowns and accessories, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.